AFC Telford boss Rob Smith wishes Lee Hughes well
Boss Rob Smith has thanked Lee Hughes for his ‘brilliant’ efforts after the veteran’s AFC Telford United departure.
The Bucks announced the 40-year-old former West Bromwich Albion striker’s exit yesterday, as he is set to start a career in management.
Hughes played a big part in Telford’s National League North survival after arriving at the club back in February, scoring four goals in 13 games.
It was expected that he would remain at the New Bucks Head for next season, but he will be taking on a managerial role elsewhere.
“He has been brilliant for us and, personally, he has been great to have around the place,” said Smith.
“It’s a shame he is not staying but when you get to 41 (on May 22), you have to look ahead and think about the future.
“I think he has thought that his playing days are nearing an end and he wants to become a manager. I certainly endorse his decision.”
Hughes had previously stated that he was keen on remaining at Telford. He told the Shropshire Star last week there was ‘nothing concrete’ but had ‘mentioned that I’d like to stay’.
Hughes applied for the manager’s post at previous club Worcester City before leaving and joining the Bucks, and fans on social media have suggested he could take the reins there following their relegation from National North.
It is yet unclear as of yet whether he will continue playing as well as managing but combining his efforts for Worcester and Telford, he ended the 2016/17 National North campaign with 17 goals in 33 appearances.
Smith added: “I think Lee would have liked to have stayed, and we would have liked him to stay too. He wants to step into management though and chances to do that don’t come about every day. We wish him all the best.”
Meanwhile, Smith has met with chairman Ian Dosser and the rest of the board and now knows the budget he has to work with, believed to be competitive, in terms of bringing in new players.
He said: “I have met with the club – met the board – so I know what there is to work with.
“First of all, I will be meeting some potential new players and then meeting current players next week to talk about their futures.”
